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Embarking on overnight stays during your travels can initially pose challenges, from concerns about safety and hookups to navigating price variations and assessing road quality. Whether you're intrigued by options like Harvest Host, curious about Rest Stop stays, or simply seeking guidance on finding boon-docking spots, join me on a journey where I unveil our preferred overnight spots along with valuable tips and tricks to enhance your overall experience.
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1. BLM Land:
- Utilize the ALLSTAYS app for BLM (Public Land) options, the app usually considers length limitations.
- Tip: Read reviews for insights on directions, road quality, and height clearance.
- Example: Our first BLM stay in Bayfield, Colorado.
2. National Forests:
- Identify National Forests through the ALLSTAYS app, often offering fire rings and designated spots. Usually these spots are free, but at times you may have to pay a small fee.
- Example: Our favorite forest land is in William’s, AZ.
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3. Visitor/Welcome Centers:
- Consider staying at visitor centers. Our favorite Visitor Center is in Winslow Arizona because of its ample parking and convenient walk to the idyllic corner.
4. Flying J Gas Stations:
- Ideal for a simple, no-fuss overnight stop with the convenience of fuel and coffee.
- Our experience was in Oklahoma, we all slept soundly through the night despite the presence of feral cats and an intense thunderstorm.
5. Rest Areas:
-My least favorite; our experience near Cheyenne, Wyoming, was uncomfortable due to noise and exhaust odor.
6. Other Options:
- Walmart parking lots, casinos, Cracker Barrels, and Bass Pro Shops are potential options. We still have not stayed in any of these, but you can call ahead or check on the AllStays App to see if they allow overnight stays.
Note: None of these spots provide hookups, necessitating pre-planning for water, generator use, and waste disposal.
1. Harvest Hosts and Boondockers Welcome:
- A popular subscription for full-time RVers, offering stays at wineries, farms, museums, etc.
- Pros: It is fun to experience new things, shop local, and find a spot when all else looks hopeless. We Harvest Hosted our way down to Key West- five nights in a row- and had a great experience.
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- Cons: It can be a little stressful and get pricey. You are expected to support the business you are staying at in exchange for a free night stay. It is a win-win, except we usually ended up spending more than we would have at a campground.
2. Cabela's Campground:
- Stayed at the first-ever Cabela's in Sidney, Nebraska, with full hookups at $36/night.
*We needed an emergency weld on our leaf spring frame mounts and a gentleman was kind enough to make a last minute call to the campground to get us back and moving in the morning.
3. Loves RV Stops:
- Offers full hookups, providing relief from extreme weather conditions.
- Our stay in Dalhart, TX, costing $35, saved us from an unexpected freeze.
*It was 18 degrees that night and we were able to secure a last minute spot on their app.
1. State/National/City/County Parks:
-We don’t normally stay at these unless we are stopping for 2 nights or more because of the hassle of booking them.
Embarking on boondocking for the first time on BLM land and staying at a rest stop induced initial nervousness regarding safety and theft. Contrary to our concerns, we never encountered any issues, nor have we heard of such incidents from others. Fear, as a factor, has an intriguing way of hindering us from fully embracing the experiences that God has intended for us.
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Psalm 27:1
"The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?"
The depth of my fear became apparent only when we embraced this lifestyle. I found myself entrenched in a culture of comfort, confined to a space God intended me to break free from. The impact of my fear manifested in nervousness, anxiety, and hindered my genuine exploration of the world God created and its people. Through His grace and wisdom, God is gradually unveiling my fears and guiding me through the process of overcoming them.
1. Are there specific fears or anxieties in your life that you need to surrender to God?
2. How does trust in God’s protection shape your response to challenges and uncertainties?
3. Are there risks you should be taking?
4. Are you stuck in comfort culture and complacency?
5. Do your actions and decisions reflect trust in God or doubt?
Heavenly Father, I surrender my fears and worries to You, trusting in Your promises of protection. Fill me with Your peace, guidance, and excitement for life and people. Thank you for showing me I have nothing to fear. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences, feel free to leave a comment below.
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Free Options
1. BLM Land:
- Utilize the ALLSTAYS app for BLM (Public Land) options, the app usually considers length limitations.
- Tip: Read reviews for insights on directions, road quality, and height clearance.
- Example: Our first BLM stay in Bayfield, Colorado.
2. National Forests:
- Identify National Forests through the ALLSTAYS app, often offering fire rings and designated spots. Usually these spots are free, but at times you may have to pay a small fee.
- Example: Our favorite forest land is in William’s, AZ.
.JPG)
3. Visitor/Welcome Centers:
- Consider staying at visitor centers. Our favorite Visitor Center is in Winslow Arizona because of its ample parking and convenient walk to the idyllic corner.
4. Flying J Gas Stations:
- Ideal for a simple, no-fuss overnight stop with the convenience of fuel and coffee.
- Our experience was in Oklahoma, we all slept soundly through the night despite the presence of feral cats and an intense thunderstorm.
5. Rest Areas:
-My least favorite; our experience near Cheyenne, Wyoming, was uncomfortable due to noise and exhaust odor.
6. Other Options:
- Walmart parking lots, casinos, Cracker Barrels, and Bass Pro Shops are potential options. We still have not stayed in any of these, but you can call ahead or check on the AllStays App to see if they allow overnight stays.
Note: None of these spots provide hookups, necessitating pre-planning for water, generator use, and waste disposal.
Cheap Options:
1. Harvest Hosts and Boondockers Welcome:
- A popular subscription for full-time RVers, offering stays at wineries, farms, museums, etc.
- Pros: It is fun to experience new things, shop local, and find a spot when all else looks hopeless. We Harvest Hosted our way down to Key West- five nights in a row- and had a great experience.
.JPG)
- Cons: It can be a little stressful and get pricey. You are expected to support the business you are staying at in exchange for a free night stay. It is a win-win, except we usually ended up spending more than we would have at a campground.
2. Cabela's Campground:
- Stayed at the first-ever Cabela's in Sidney, Nebraska, with full hookups at $36/night.
*We needed an emergency weld on our leaf spring frame mounts and a gentleman was kind enough to make a last minute call to the campground to get us back and moving in the morning.
3. Loves RV Stops:
- Offers full hookups, providing relief from extreme weather conditions.
- Our stay in Dalhart, TX, costing $35, saved us from an unexpected freeze.
*It was 18 degrees that night and we were able to secure a last minute spot on their app.
Other Options:
1. State/National/City/County Parks:
-We don’t normally stay at these unless we are stopping for 2 nights or more because of the hassle of booking them.
Overall Experience:
Embarking on boondocking for the first time on BLM land and staying at a rest stop induced initial nervousness regarding safety and theft. Contrary to our concerns, we never encountered any issues, nor have we heard of such incidents from others. Fear, as a factor, has an intriguing way of hindering us from fully embracing the experiences that God has intended for us.
.JPG)
Bible Verse
Psalm 27:1
"The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?"
Reflection
The depth of my fear became apparent only when we embraced this lifestyle. I found myself entrenched in a culture of comfort, confined to a space God intended me to break free from. The impact of my fear manifested in nervousness, anxiety, and hindered my genuine exploration of the world God created and its people. Through His grace and wisdom, God is gradually unveiling my fears and guiding me through the process of overcoming them.
Questions for Reflection
1. Are there specific fears or anxieties in your life that you need to surrender to God?
2. How does trust in God’s protection shape your response to challenges and uncertainties?
3. Are there risks you should be taking?
4. Are you stuck in comfort culture and complacency?
5. Do your actions and decisions reflect trust in God or doubt?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I surrender my fears and worries to You, trusting in Your promises of protection. Fill me with Your peace, guidance, and excitement for life and people. Thank you for showing me I have nothing to fear. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences, feel free to leave a comment below.
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